Royal Luther Shepherd

Roy was born at home in Boulder, Colorado, the 9th of 12 children, to Luther and Ruth Shepherd. A natural athlete throughout childhood, he played football, basketball, baseball, tennis and track for Boulder High, graduating in 1949 after being named to the state all star teams for both football and basketball. He went on to play linebacker for the University of Colorado under the tutelage of Dal Ward, receiving the game ball from Oklahoma's Coach Bud Wilkinson, when CU interrupted Oklahoma's 26 game win streak in 1952 with a tie. Roy’s football career at CU ended with All American Honors and inclusion on the All Conference Team, and a degree in Geology.

Roy and fellow Boulderite, Rachel Parrish were married August 16, 1953 at the 1st Christian Church in Boulder. While hunting for uranium in Wyoming, the Air Force called him up and he served as a pilot flying F-86 Sabre Jets. Not surprisingly, he also played football for the "All Forces" team, and was thrilled for the opportunity to beat the Marines!

Daughters Debbie and Carrie were born during his time in the Air Force. Rachel packed and moved like most military families - A LOT. Roy was very proud of being an Air Force pilot, playing football and basketball for the Air Force; he wore his Air Force ball cap every day of his life.

After Roy's military service, the opportunity to teach and coach called him back to Colorado, where he was head football coach for Aurora Central High School from 1960 to 1966, reaching the State Semi Finals in 1964. His sons, Nelson and David were born during his coaching years (David on a winning game night, which kept Roy from sticking around for the after-game pep talk.)

Roy then left Aurora to obtain his Masters Degree in Physical Education at CU. His thesis in 1968 was "A Survey of Recreational Needs and Interest for the Citizens of Boulder Colorado," which was submitted to the Boulder Parks and Recreation Department. In it he supported access to sports facilities for all citizens, not just athletes. Roy Finished out his teaching career at Boulder Valley Schools.

Ever instilling the belief that sports should be a vital part of education, Roy never missed a grandchild's game - advising, encouraging and letting them know how proud he was of them.

In Roy's retirement his joys came from maintaining his gorgeous yard and daily drives with his dog Mollie.

Roy is survived by his wife, Rachel, daughter Carrie Longmore (Fred), son David, son-in-law Dave Manica, brother Herb Shepherd, sister Mary Steadman, six grand-children and nine great grand-children.

Sadly, Roy and Rachel’s daughter, Debbie Manica, passed away just 2 days after Roy’s death. Also preceding him in death are his son Nelson in 2009, his parents, 2 sisters and 7 brothers.

Celebration of Roy and his life will be held at Cairn Christian Church, 1700 Stonehenge Drive, Lafayette, CO on October 21 at 4:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Leukemia Research Foundation or TRU Community Hospice Care.